2025 Arkansas Substance Abuse Statistics

Arkansas faces serious challenges related to drug and alcohol misuse and dependence. From college campuses to small, rural towns, substance use remains a pressing issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities across the state.

The latest Arkansas Collegiate Substance Use Assessment (ACSUA) reveals that most young adults begin experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, and/or drugs between the ages of 16 and 20, and overall rates of lifetime alcohol or drug use are climbing again after a brief dip during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At Time Wellness Arkansas, we are expanding our services to include medical detox for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. We believe that accessible and effective detox and mental health care can help change the trajectory of these devastating trends by providing individuals and families with the tools they need to overcome addiction and thrive in their daily lives. 

Substance Use in Arkansas at a Glance 

Over the past few years, Arkansas’ substance abuse statistics show promising improvements in overdose mortality, thanks in large part to expanded harm-reduction efforts and increased access to naloxone.

However, substance use among young adults continues to rise, and the average age of initial use remains alarmingly low. More Arkansas residents are experimenting with alcohol, marijuana, and vaping products at earlier ages, often without fully recognizing the long-term risks. While awareness surrounding substance misuse is growing statewide, the fight against addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns is far from over. 

As Arkansas works to sustain its momentum in reducing overdose deaths, the focus must expand to include early intervention, dual-diagnosis care, and access to safe, medically supervised detox—the kind offered at Time Wellness Detox—to help individuals break free from the cycle before it deepens.

According to the ACSUA, 2023, and data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 

• Ages 16–20 remain the most common window for first-time alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use.
• Lifetime alcohol use among college respondents jumped from 45.6% in 2022 to 57.8% in 2023.
• Overdose deaths declined 24% in 2024—from 516 in 2023 to 391—marking the lowest total since 2019.
• Mental-health distress among young Arkansans remains high, with many reporting sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety alongside substance use.

Alcohol Use in Arkansas

According to Arkansas substance abuse statistics, alcohol continues to be the most widely used—and misused—substance in the state. Nearly 44% of college students in Arkansas reported first drinking between the ages of 16 and 20, and more than half reported consuming alcohol 10 or more times in their lives. 

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, the state records more alcohol-related deaths per capita than most U.S. states and reports a higher-than-average rate of underage drinking. Among adults, 16% binge drink at least once per month, consuming a median of 5.6 drinks per episode—though the heaviest 25% of drinkers average more than nine drinks per binge, nearly five times per month. 

An estimated 1,407 Arkansans die each year from excessive alcohol use, translating to one death for every 2,140 adults. Over just five years, the state’s alcohol-related death rate rose by more than 50%, signaling an urgent public-health concern. The majority of those lost are men (nearly 70%), and over half (55.7%) die from chronic alcohol-related conditions such as liver disease or Alcohol Use Disorder. While most victims are aged 35 and older, a troubling 3.5% are under 21, highlighting that no age group is unaffected.

Marijuana Use Among Young Adults 

Marijuana use is steadily increasing among Arkansas college students. The ACSUA found that roughly half of the individuals involved in the survey had tried marijuana at least once, and that 30-day use is trending upwards. Many first began using the drug between the ages of 16 and 20, which reinforces how early access shapes long-term habits. 

As legalization and social acceptance grow nationwide, perception of risk declines. However, it is important to understand that for people struggling with mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, or personality disorders, marijuana use can easily trigger symptoms or make them worse. During detox, the experienced clinicians at Time Wellness Arkansas help clients manage the psychological effects of withdrawal, including irritability, insomnia, and emotional dysregulation. 

Prescription Medications and Other Drugs 

Prescription drug use in Arkansas remains lower than rates of alcohol and marijuana use, but the numbers have been creeping upwards in recent years.

The ACSUA reports that amphetamines (8.7%) and sedatives (6.0%) were the most common drugs used ten or more times in a lifetime. About 80% of people had never used prescription opioids, but that still leaves a significant number who have, and opioid misuse continues to fuel overdose risk statewide.

In cases of prescription drug dependence, detox is particularly vital. Withdrawal from opioids, benzodiazepines, or multiple substances can be physically dangerous and psychologically destabilizing. Medical detox at Time Wellness provides medications like buprenorphine or other comfort medications to reduce symptoms, while licensed clinicians address the emotional side of early recovery.

Overdose Trends in Arkansas 

For the first time in years, Arkansas saw a notable drop in drug overdose deaths in 2024—a 23% decrease from the year prior, according to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI). Arkansas substance abuse statistics show that expanded naloxone access, public-awareness campaigns, and harm-reduction initiatives are making an impact. Additionally, increased access to effective treatment (like that offered at Time Wellness Arkansas) has been successful in reducing fatalities linked to drug overdose. 

However, 391 Arkansans still lost their lives in 2024 to drug overdose, most involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The continued presence of fentanyl in counterfeit pills and other street drugs underscores why supervised detox is so critical. At Time Wellness Detox, every client is screened for fentanyl exposure and receives medication-assisted withdrawal management when appropriate.

Mental Health and Substance Use in Arkansas 

According to Arkansas substance abuse statistics, young people consistently report high levels of depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Unfortunately, without healthy coping mechanisms in place, many turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medication. 

The clear connection between emotional distress, mental health, and substance use is why Time Wellness Arkansas takes a dual diagnosis approach to recovery. Upon arrival at our Arkansas detox center, every client is assessed thoroughly. All needs are addressed as clients work towards physical and emotional stabilization and prepare for the next stage of their recovery journeys. 

Why Medical Detox Matters 

Detox is often a necessary first step on the road to mental health and addiction recovery recovery. Without proper care and supervision, withdrawal can be both dangerous and overwhelming, leading a person back to substance use before real healing begins.

At Time Wellness Detox, we treat all existing issues so that each of our clients has the opportunity to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. Each client receives compassionate support, around-the-clock monitoring, and individualized treatment planning that continues after stabilization and discharge. 

Many people who struggle with mental health concerns need to undergo detox before transitioning into a higher level of care, seeing as many turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate the more severe symptoms of their mental health condition. We ensure that all underlying issues are addressed—never ignored. 

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

Time Wellness provides Arkansas residents with the effective medically monitored detox they need to begin healing from mental health conditions of all kinds. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, or another mental health concern, our compassionate, experienced team is ready to help. Contact us today to verify your insurance and get started on your personal path to long-term recovery—we look forward to speaking with you soon.